Former Inter Milan striker Adriano says he's a new man at Flamengo.

"I went through a period of deep depression and it was very difficult to keep the Press out of my private life," he told Globoesporte.

"I was often unjustly attacked with a sea of lies, which is why I now try to speak as little as possible about my private life.

"Leaving Italy and returning to my family was like taking an oppressive weight off my shoulders. Now, thanks to my mother, everything is better."

Adriano continued: "The objective is to carry on like this with Flamengo, but only God knows what my future holds.

"I know that some clubs, including Italians, have shown an interest in me. If one day I do return to Europe, it will be with a very different mentality."